Rachael Blackmore handed a five day ban after controversial Kilbeggan ride

Rachael Blackmore has picked up a five-day ban after a bizarre situation in which it was believed she mistook the winning post a lap early.  

The Killenaule jockey was riding in a 3m handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan earlier this month when she led the race on Lady Rita and she surged ahead with the winning post in sight however there was another round to complete.

The Gold Cup and Grand National winner said her horse was "lairy in front" and so she allowed the seven-year-old back in with the rest of the field. 

The betting odds changed on the night as the Louise Lyons-trained horse went from 25/1 in to 8/1 as the race continued with the initial outsider in the race by then in pole position. 

The race in Kilbeggan on the 12th of May was investigated by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board who found that the Tipperary jockey had been in breach of the rules.

The IHRB ruling concluded this morning and stated that Rachael was in breach of Rule 212A(iv) which states "Any rider who fails to obtain their best possible placing as a result of negligent misjudgement (including a misjudgement of the winning post or the number of circuits, easing their mount without good reason or stopping riding) shall be guilty of an offence under this sub-rule."

She also had to forfeit her riding fee. The history making jockey was due to ride at Limerick tomorrow. 

You can watch the incident here: 

ICYMI: Rachael Blackmore finished fourth aboard Lady Rita at Kilbeggan last night. The stewards enquired into whether the jockey rode a finish a circuit too soon, but no action was taken. pic.twitter.com/XkVX6UWkTX

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 13, 2023